Seeking a Third Way to Respond to the Challenge of Intermarriage


 

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher: Synagogue 3000 (Project)

Author(s): Steven M. Cohen

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Reform Judaism; Orthodox Judaism; Intermarriage; Jewish Continuity

Type: Speech

Abstract:

The key challenge by which history will judge contemporary Jews, the author contends, revolves around how we will respond to the impact of intermarriage upon our individual and collective Jewish futures. The author outlines the scope and depth of the problem, particularly for non-Orthodox Jews, and within that category, particularly for Reform Jews. He discusses the two standard solution models: educating the non-married and welcoming the intermarried. Although the two approaches may seem contradictory, the author advocates a synthesis of both.